Gabriel's Rebellion: The Virginia Slave Conspiracies of 1800

Gabriel's Rebellion: The Virginia Slave Conspiracies of 1800 and 1802
- Used Book in Good Condition
Gabriel's Rebellion tells the dramatic story of what was perhaps the most extensive slave conspiracy in the history of the American South. Douglas Egerton illuminates the complex motivations that underlay two related Virginia slave revolts: the first, in 1800, led by the slave known as Gabriel; and the second, called the 'Easter Plot,' instigated in 1802 by one of his followers. Although Gabriel has frequently been portrayed as a messianic, Samson-like figure, Egerton shows that he was a literate and highly skilled blacksmith whose primary goal was to destroy the economic hegemony of the 'merchants,' the only whites he ever identified as his enemies. According to Egerton, the social, political, and economic disorder of the Revolutionary era weakened some of the harsh controls that held slavery in place during colonial times. Emboldened by these conditions, a small number of literate slaves--most of them highly skilled artisans--planned an armed insurrection aimed at destroying slavery in Virginia. The intricate scheme failed, as did the Easter Plot that stemmed from it, and Gabriel and many of his followers were hanged. By placing the revolts within the broader context of the volatile political currents of the day, Egerton challenges the conventional understanding of race, class, and politics in the early days of the American republic.
Country USA
Brand The University of North Carolina Press
Manufacturer The University of North Carolina Press
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber illustrations, maps
ReleaseDate 1993-11-21
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780807844229

Country	USA
Brand	The University of North Carolina Press
Manufacturer	The University of North Carolina Press
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	illustrations, maps
ReleaseDate	1993-11-21
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780807844229

Gabriel's Rebellion: The Virginia Slave Conspiracies of 1800 and 1802

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